Ugh, Taxes

Nuff said. I'm in the office working on taxes today. I hate this day but my appointment with the accountant is tomorrow and it absolutely must be done. I have most of my receipts together, must log and then do math. Math. I hate math. It can explain so much about the world but the actual thinking of it. Thank goodness for calculators and the giant one my hubby bought me last year. okay, enough dawdling. There will be no good jewelry pics today, just my whining. Will get back to the fun stuff after this weekend.

Finally getting the photography thing !!!

Oh, this has taken too long to figure out my camera, find the wand that attaches to my tripod, and get things working. But I think the results speak for themselves. Here are some of my recent photos of my work, much improved I think. Let me know if you agree. (If you don't, keep it to yourself because I worked really hard on this, lol. No, really, let me know if you have any suggestions. The learning curve is way too steep without help.)

This one is still a tad dark at least on my computer screen, but I'm really happy that the camera shake is gone:

Facebook got me!

Okay, I admit it, Facebook has me. The ability to reconnect with people I know or used to know has me mesmerized. I am compelled to look at every picture, every update and check in several times a day. So far I have found: a cousin who is #3 in the world mixed martial arts championships, a cousin whose name is not what I thought it was for 42 years, an old high school acquaintance who apparently married my 3rd grade boyfriend, my coworker who hates to shop at Walmart on Saturdays, my niece does not like to do her english homework, videos of my nieces dancing, no one who can follow a Logan's Run reference, a new way to connect with my best friend who lives near D.C., the boy who gave me my first "real" kiss, my kindergarten crush, and the bad stuff, divorces, illnesses, deaths of former classmates.

So, in a nutshell, that's why you don't see any new jewelry. And, the jewelry muse has other things to do than grace my studio, or maybe she's waiting for me to cross the room to my workbench. I did start a piece the other night, was trying to make a more affordable line for this declining economy, but the piece got away from me and turned into a monstrosity of ocean jasper, aventurine and poppy jasper. Keep your eyes on me folks, it's coming, it's just taking its time.

Bead Girl Gone Crazy

I just can't help myself, I go to a bead show and there are so many pretties. So here is a preview of what you might see in the coming months from me.

This first shot is the entire bead stash that came home with me:

Next we have pearls pearls pearls:

These next three pictures are beads/charms you may or may not see in jewelry to be sold, I bought them primarily to make myself jewelry, I'll have to see if I can part with what I make from them:

Pressed glass czech beads that will make their way into some fine jewelry:

Some Raku ceramic findings and pretty colored drops that will make it out of my stash as closures and some embellishments on some pretty fancy pieces:

Here are some semiprecious beads just waiting for stringing - ah - I can see it now - and some pretty amethyst i picked up - no peeking mom!

Gorgeous charlottes ready for beading in some intricate designs!

February 20, 2009

My Mom's Birthday - Happy Birthday MOM!!

Okay, busy week. I did manage to get some photos taken last week and posted some here. To see the rest go to http://www.wjewelry.shophandmade.com/. There you can see all the details, prices, etc. I am busy today tumbling (jewelry, not me), taking pictures and posting online. Hope all is well with everyone out in cyberland.

Getting it all together

It's been a while, January was a blur of catching up from being sick in December. We had repairs to our heating system, the house blessing, doctor appts, dentist appts . . . oh the list goes on. So here we are in February and my goals are this.
1. Get ready to have my taxes done - oh and I started off so well last year, but really dropped the ball after June. Time to play catch up.
2. Get my web sites updated and photos of all my jewelry.
3. Finish at least one piece of the five pieces of jewelry I have started.

Can't sit here chatting, must get to work!!

What I learned in the Hospital

1. The call button is not a microphone

2. Disconnecting your EKG leads and playing dead is not funny to the nurses

3. Changing around the lead wires on the EKG can not make the readout say "Merry Christmas" or anything else.

4. Don't push your own IV pump buttons, alarms WILL go off.

5. There are no Dr. McDreamys, McSteamys or McHunks, there are only McChunkies, McNuggets and McMuffins.

6. Doctors don't really like it when the patient talks during surgery or wakes up and grabs the anesthesiologist by the throat (true stories).

7. The phone will always be where you or your IV or Oxygen tubing will not reach when it rings.

8. You will always realize that you forgot to put on your robe just after your nurse hooks up your IV.

9. The hospitals, doctors and nurses do not have scanners like on Star Trek to instantly diagnose and cure you so stop asking them.

10. Oxygen masks do not make you sound like Darth Vader or Mickey mouse.

11. A white robe does not make you a doctor and you can't write prescriptions or tell the other patients what to do.

12. Wii does not make an incentive spirometer but they should (this is just a suggestion).

13. Nurse Ratchett does not work here so stop asking for her.

14. Orderlies are not your personal cabana boys and they don't give massages.

15. The pool in the hospital is only for physical therapy and there is no poolside concierge.

16. There is no room service so stop calling the operator and asking for it.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list, feel free to add your own to the comments!

New Year! New ME!

Welcome to the new year. I am now somewhat recovered from pneumonia, back to work anyway. Trying desperately to balance activity vs. rest - not easy for someone like me who is always on the go. My plans for the new year include losing 30 lbs that I put back on last year. Overall, I'm still down 40 lbs from my high, but I'm not letting it get that far again. Me and Oprah! So I have been working out with Jillian Michaels, okay, only via wii but that gets me sweating, muscles sore, etc. I'm up to 30 min on medium, from starting Dec. 27 at 10 min on light. Haven't made much jewelry lately, matter of fact my open house is STILL set up. I am offering 20% off the non-woven jewelry until it gets taken down, and it won't get taken down until all the jewelry is photographed. I am starting that this afternoon.

In addition to working out, in an effort to get healthy, I have made my yearly gyno appointment - Have You? I also made appointments for my kids to get their teeth cleaned and my eyes to get checked. This will also lead, I am sure, to my first mammogram. Gotta take care of "the girls."

My best to all of you in this new year. Pay off your credit cards, take care of your health and do all those things you need to do to be the best you!

Dianne

Pneumonia??? Give me a break

So, here I am, after having spent a week in the hospital with pneumonia. I had been so proud of how I have reorganized my life, made more time for relaxation, and generally found my balance and WHACK I get hit with pneumonia. I was in the ICU for pete's sake. Geeze, what a lightweight I keep thinking to myself. But this just goes to show you, pneumonia can attact no matter your health or fitness level. I was not run down, I eat well, I'm active and yet, I got sick. This post is a warning, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and stay healthy. I have to say, I received great care in the hospital, had wonderful nurses and doctors and am recovering quickly. So this week, as soon as I start feeling better, I've got jewelry to work on. I missed my big gallery first friday opening which is really disappointing, but hey, life happens. Take care everyone out there.

Missed the open house?

Hey - no problem. The display is up and will remain up until at least December 3rd. Just call and make an appointment - 717-371-3726. Free and ample parking and guaranteed no lines. Can't make it? Shop from home at my shophandmade store www.wjewelry.shophandmade.com or click on the logo to the right!
How much more convenient can it get?
So what am I doing this week now that the big event is over? Getting ready for First Friday at Salon Fin.
Here are the details:

First Friday Gallery at Salon Fin

Date: Friday, December 5th
Time: 4-8 PM
Location: Corner of Frederick and Mary Street in Downtown Lancaster PA

And what else? - Old friend and artist Rich Johnson will be displaying his artwork as well. How fun is that? Guaranteed to be a good time. Come, enjoy the party.

My work will be on continuous display throughout the month so if you need a last minute present, that's where all the jewelry will be. Hope to see you there!

New Bracelets

Just realized that the picture of my new bracelets did not make it to my last post. Well, here they are, let me know what you think. I especially like the copper ones.

Open House starts tonight

Hey everyone, getting ready for my open house here. Actually, I'm already ready. I'm just waiting for my guests. So come on over 4-8PM tonight, 12-5PM tomorrow and Sunday. Details below and I'm looking forward to seeing you!
Remember, if you can't make it to the open house - you can always call and set an appointment for another time. The display will be up until around December 5th. Then it comes down so I can transport it to Salon Fin for a First Friday gallery opening. More details later.
Smile - it snowed today - always puts me in a good mood!

Countdown on!

Two days left till my open house, jewelry is set up already though, so if you'd like to stop by early, feel free. Just call first to make sure I'm here.

I'm always amazed when I get all my jewelry out how much I have really made. I will be concentrating more on the art pieces for a while this winter, which is what I really like to do every winter. Here's a really quick peek at what I have in store for this weekend. As a special to my blog readers, get an extra 10% savings on all non-woven pieces if you leave me a comment on this blog. When you come to the open house, mention it - I'll check and if you have the the comment I'll take 10% off your purchase. If you have the postcard too, that's worth another 10% off. If you bring a friend you can either have the extra 10 for the comment or the extra 5 for the friend but not both. I'd take the extra 10. Is that too confusing? The discount is good on any non-woven piece - even the wire worked pieces!

I don't know why but I always have trouble lining up these photographs, trying to do this quick and . . . does anyone else have this problem?
Don't forget to leave your comment below!

Open House This Friday-Sunday

W Jewelry Studio Open House

My annual shindig inviting you into my home and studio for some un-hurried shopping for yourself or your family/friends featuring my funky fine art beaded and wire wrapped jewelry. Hours:
Friday November 21 4-8 PM
Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23 12-5 PM

Directions: Rt 23 East from Lancaster into Leola, Turn left onto Holly drive, just past Dunkin Donuts on the right and the Meadowbrook Shopping Center/Royers/Conestoga Valley Community Center on the left. Right on Ridge View and Look for my signs. Call if you need help: 717-371-3726.

Just a reminder - hope to see you there!

After the storm . . .

appeared a rainbow . . .

Baking Cookies and Treats

Yes, that is how I spent my day, besides cleaning and getting ready for next weekend's Open House! See the details in my last blog post. For those of you who come for the goodies, I made some really tasty pecan bits, chai cookies, kourabiethes and will make an apple-ginger cake next week closer to d-day. Also, the Winter Berry wine is out again and will be serving Friday evening for the Wine and Cheese portion of the event. Everyone is welcome.

Thanks to my recent reorganization of my life, and implementing some cleaning routines, I am relaxed and on top of things as I plan for my open house. The house is getting cleaner day by day. As those of you who know me, know, my house barely qualified as clean. It was cluttered and it was dusty. There were no bugs inhabiting the corners, but it wasn't real pretty. Now, if you ignore the boxes packed and ready to go to goodwill which WILL be gone this weekend, things are coming together. I have flylady.net to thank. My life is much less stressfull as I prepare to welcome people into my home. If the weather clears, I hope to have a penguin to greet you at the door to the studio. I do not work for flylady, just a satisfied participant. We creative types sometimes have difficulty managing our homes as we get "sidetracked" rather easily. Example: I needed to go to the bathroom (simple enough right) so I stop to get the bucket of dirty water from my office so I can dump it down the toilet, notice that I didn't finish cleaning the floor, so I finish vacuuming, then washing floor with swiffer sweeper, notice the sliding glass doors need a polish so I do that, now I really have to go - start off for the bathroom, remember the bucket and go back for it . . . sound like you? Cluttered house? Overwhelmed by taking care of your home to the point you don't know where to start so you do nothing? Welcome to my world for the past 18 years. Never realized the power of routines. Never realized that the born organizeds of the world used them, just thought they were "lucky" or "smarter" than me or that they had no lives.

I will be visiting Pam tomorrow at our group show in Mt. Joy, she has some really great crafters participating. I got a sneak preview!

Hope everyone is doing well, this weather can't last forever right? I need some sunshine.

Friday November 7, 2008

Time for my Friday post. Last weekend had a lovely time in Philadelphia, and now I'm back in Lancaster working on new jewelry projects and my final events of the year.
Starting with next weekend:

Christmas Handcraft Open House
Hostess: Pam Barto - Olde World Collectibles
Address: 215 Birchland Ave. Mount Joy PA
Phone: 717-653-1525
Hours are Friday November 14th from 11AM - 7PM
and Saturday November 15th from 10 AM - 5 PM

Directions from Lancaster: 30 west to Mt Joy Exit/Rt 230 toward Mt Joy. Right on Orchard Rd at Weis Markets, 1 block to right on Birchland

Pam hand picks the crafters she invites to display at her house every year. Everything there is guaranteed hand made and there will be a variety of crafts - Pottery, iron work, jewelry and of course Pam's delightful hand sculptured fabric Santas. As a former and future doll maker, I can attest to Pam's creativity and skill in this area. Her Santas are something to see if you go for no other reason.

W Jewelry Studio Open House

My annual shindig inviting you into my home and studio for some un-hurried shopping for yourself or your family/friends featuring my funky fine art beaded and wire wrapped jewelry.

Hours: Friday November 21 4-8 PM
Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23 12-5 PM

Directions: Rt 23 East from Lancaster into Leola, Turn left onto Holly drive, just past Dunkin Donuts and the Meadowbrook Shopping Center/Royers/Conestoga Valley Community Center on the left. Right on Ridge View and Look for my signs. Call if you need help: 717-371-3726.

Can't make those dates? Call me for an appointment. My display will be up for the week before and the week after - after that you can shop my jewelry at . . .

Salon Fin

In December my work will be available at Salon Fin on the corner of Frederick and Mary. There may be a First Friday event involved - will post more on that as the date approaches.

Address: 602 N Mary St, Lancaster PA
Phone: 717-396-3891

Thanks again for checking in - hope you see everyone at one of these events.

Friday Blog - Oct 31

Today is my favorite holiday of the year but I won't get to celebrate in my traditional way. First, I haven't decorated the house this year, and the neighborhood kiddies are sure to be disappointed, but I am going to be setting up tonight for a show in Philadelphia and won't be home to run the fog machine. That's right, I'm so halloween crazy that I have my own fog machine. So, if you are going to be in the Philadelphia area this weekend, here are the stats:

Artisan Fall Festival
Unitarian Society of Germantown
6511 Lincoln Drive
Philadelphia

Saturday November 1 10-4
Sunday November 2 12-4

It's a truly lovely show with remarkable artisans including myself with jewelry, my dad with wood carvings and turnings and our friend Millie who makes gorgeous pottery. We have our own little party every year in the downstairs room with the food. Please stop by if you can. Support hand made arts!!

In other news, my credit card program is up and working, my internet continues to be fast, and my son is going to be Ironman for halloween. I have continued working with flylady.net to get my house in order, the big project this week was cleaning out the "storage" closet in my daughter's room that has our extra quilts and blankets. I also got new curtains for the bathroom and our bedroom and put the nice quilt on our bed with the fancy pillow shams. Everything matches. And today, my boss at my home care job gave us really nice throws to celebrate National PT month. Yay for all the physical therapists who work so hard out there! We have a great group of very dedicated clinicians.

Don't forget, last day to sign up to win the free bracelets, just leave a comment on the October 3rd post. I will post the winner next week.

I also just joined "Twitter" so follow me at www.twitter.com/meleenia - as soon as i figure out how, I will post my twitter link to the right.

Coming up my open house - November 21-23, I'm busy getting ready for that, will begin baking next week, lots of tasty treats planned this year, I've been collecting recipes.

That's it for now, have a wonderful spooky safe halloween!

I Have Joined the 21st Century

I now have broadband. It's very exciting after being on dial-up forever. Things load instantly, but many of you know this already. So I'll get to business. First, my daughter's jewelry for homecoming, lovely victorian design featuring swarovski and vintage window beads in deep red.

Close up of the pendant to the left, pendant and earrings to the right. So pretty, as was my daughter at homecoming (If I do say so myself). The pendant is made from the design in a recent Step by step wire magazine. The necklace itself is my own design, alternating S links with links of orbital chain mail.

So what else is new? My next show is next weekend in Philadelphia at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive. Saturday November 1, 10-4 and Sunday November 2, 12-4. A very nice show featuring some wonderful artisans from Philly and the surrounding areas.

In December my work will be featured at Salon Fin in Lancaster at Frederick and Mary Streets. We are working on doing a First Friday event, but I have not received confirmation of this as of this time.

Lastly for today - don't forget to sign up to win a free bracelet on the October 3rd post. You only have a week to post. Winner will be announced November 7th, when the next contest will begin.

W Jewelry Online Shop Now Open

My friends at Addicted to Rubber Stamps now offer a forum for people to sell their handmade arts and crafts at little to no cost. I have listed my jewelry with them at www.wjewelry.shophandmade.com. Check out the store! You can browse the jewelry offered, some offered in multiple colors and pay conveniently with paypal. I tried to keep postage low but everything will be sent delivery confirmation and with insurance.

I have finished (nearly) my daughter's jewelry for homecoming and will have pictures tomorrow to post sometime next week. They grow up so fast. Just this week we ordered her school ring.

Don't forget to sign up on the October 3rd post to win one of my fabulous bracelets, not only are they pretty, but they conform to and feel so good on your wrist.

That's it for now. I'm off to post some more of my jewelry for sale!!